Health Department Coronavirus Update

Lake County, Ill. — The Lake County Health Department is reporting 30 new cases and one new death from the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Lake County since Saturday. This brings the total number of Lake County residents testing positive for the disease to 294 (as of March 29, 2020, 1:45 p.m.) and the total number of deaths to 3.

The Lake County Health Department continues to remind those who attended the North Shore Christian Quad City Revival in North Chicago the week of March 15 - March 20 to please stay home if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. Several people who attended this event have tested positive for COVID-19. As a reminder, having attended the event is not reason enough to be tested for COVID-19, but people who experience a worsening of symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.

"I know it seems like I have been repeating myself every day, but I can't emphasize it enough - stay home, practice social distancing on the rare occasions it becomes essential to leave, and repeatedly wash your hands," said Lake County Health Department Executive Director Mark Pfister. "People should assume COVID-19 is in every community and in every neighborhood. Close interactions with an infected person will spread the virus to yourself and others. So - again - everyone should do everything they can to slow the spread."

It is critically important that the community follow prescribed preventative measures such as social distancing and the 3 C’s to avoid getting sick:

Clean hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol;

Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue or your elbow; and

Contain illness by staying home if you are sick.

Social Distancing

Stay home as much as possible.

Maintain a distance of 6 feet between yourself and others.

Call to check on family, neighbors, and older adults instead of visiting.

Check with your healthcare provider about telehealth options.

What to do if you are sick

If you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or shortness of breath, stay home and call your doctor. Distance yourself from others in the household and if possible, stay in your own bedroom and use your own bathroom. Contact your doctor if your illness is worsening (for example, you have difficulty breathing).

Do not walk into a healthcare facility, urgent care clinic, or hospital before calling. Discuss your symptoms with your doctor. If your doctor believes that you need to be tested for COVID-19, your doctor should refer you to a COVID-19 testing site. The Lake County Health Department should only be contacted by your doctor to facilitate testing through the State lab for patients who are hospitalized or those who live or work in congregate settings (e.g., schools, long term care facilities, and group homes).

Residents who do not have a primary care provider can contact the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center at (847) 377-8800 to schedule an appointment.

Testing availability

Testing is being prioritized for people with symptoms who have high risk of complications. This includes older adults living in congregate settings and those with chronic health conditions like heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes, and those with weakened immune systems. People who do not show any symptoms do not need to get tested.

A number of healthcare providers in Lake County currently have tests available. The Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC) is working to collect information on the availability of testing in Lake County and will provide updates at www.lakecountyil.gov/coronavirus as it becomes available.

Health Department Service Modifications

The Health Department’s Community Health Centers continue to provide care for patients during this time, and modifications have been made to protect the health and safety of all patients and staff:

Services are being provided over the phone when possible

Social distancing measures have been put in place in the clinics

Non-urgent in-person visits are being rescheduled for 4-6 weeks in the future

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) services are provided over the phone, and WIC coupons are provided curb-side

Visit www.lakecountyil.gov/coronavirus for updates on COVID-19 in Lake County, guidance on preventing the spread of COVID-19, an interactive map of cases by municipality,and to sign up for the Lake County Health Department’s COVID-19 email newsletter.

The Health Department has established an email address: COVID19@lakecountyil.gov, to answer general questions from the community. Residents can submit an email with general COVID-19 questions, and public health officials will answer the top questions weekly. The Health Department will not use this service to offer medical advice or answer questions related to people who test positive for COVID-19. If you have personal medical questions, contact your healthcare provider.

For general state and national information, please call the Illinois State Hotline at 1-800-899-3931, or visit the Illinois Department of Public Health website at dph.illinois.gov, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at coronavirus.gov.